During the holiday season, people often seek ways to earn extra money to replenish their finances. Roy Foulkes, a retired police officer from West Hallam, Derbyshire, has managed to make over £5,500 in cash and vouchers by identifying and reporting vacant properties through a platform called YouSpotProperty.
Introduced to YouSpotProperty in 2024, Roy has been utilizing the platform to generate additional income. The initiative rewards individuals for pinpointing long-term empty residences. Initially, spotters receive a £20 Amazon or M&S voucher for correctly identifying an unoccupied property. If YouSpotProperty proceeds to purchase, renovate, and sell the house, the spotter is entitled to 1% of the purchase price, capped at £10,000.
Roy has accumulated £4,750 in 1% rewards after two properties he reported were rescued by YouSpotProperty, along with 39 £20 vouchers amounting to £780. His earnings, including £2,350 for the first property and £1,620 for the second, have been allocated towards household items, vacations, and experiences with his grandchildren.
The first property Roy reported for the 1% fee was discovered during a walk in his former patrol area. Having previously reported the property to the local council without success, Roy turned to YouSpotProperty for a more effective solution. The second property caught his attention near an ex-local authority house in Derby, where he noticed significant neglect and reported it, eventually earning £1,620.
In addition to his financial gains, Roy has utilized his vouchers for household purchases. Having identified approximately 120 properties in total, with only 39 qualifying for vouchers, Roy finds fulfillment in contributing to society while earning extra income.
Empty Homes Network estimates that over £465 billion worth of properties in England and Wales remain vacant or unused. YouSpotProperty issues around 110 £20 M&S or Amazon vouchers monthly to those reporting eligible properties, with an average of 350 to 450 properties reported weekly.
Each month, approximately seven 1% reward fees are disbursed for homes acquired and revitalized by YouSpotProperty. The company has purchased a range of empty and dilapidated properties over the past year, with values spanning from £17,000 to £3 million.
Co-founder Benjamin Radstone highlighted the company’s commitment to addressing the issue of vacant homes by bringing numerous properties back into use and sharing rewards with the public.
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Roy expressed gratitude for the opportunities enabled by his involvement with YouSpotProperty, allowing him to enjoy family time and memorable experiences.
